The problems keep mounting for mobile WiMAX network operator, Clearwire. Rising to fame as Sprint’s WiMAX network partner, Clearwire has now started experience a lot of trouble, the latest one being a newly filed lawsuit claiming that Clearwire is misrepresenting their WiMAX network’s performance and then unfairly charging customer early termination fees.
Clearwire is being sued by customers in Washington, Hawaii, Minnesota and North Carolina. The plaintiffs are seeking class-action status in a bid to hit Clearwire as hard as possible. Clearwire markets its service as being a reliable alternative to DSL or cable Internet services, which the lawsuit’s plaintiffs are claiming is false and misleading. Customers have complained of service outages that range from reduced, dial-up quality Internet speeds to complete service interruptions that leave customers without an internet connection. The said lawsuit also claims that Clearwire’s Early Termination Fee is unlawful and is void. It seeks to recover ETF fees for former Clearwire customers, as well as an injunction that would prevent Clearwire from falsely advertising their service and charging an ETF to customers wishing to disconnect their service.
Clearwire Wireless Broadband
Source: IntoMobile
Nokia has now announced its third fully integrated Near Field Communication (NFC) device, the Nokia 6216 classic. This new arrival is Nokia’s first SIM-based NFC device, which enables operators to build NFC services on to the SIM card. The owner’s credit card information can be stored securely on the SIM card and waving the device in front of a contactless terminal enables quick payment and simple ticketing services.
In addition to the NFC technology, the Nokia 6216 classic also comes with a built-in 2 megapixel camera, stereo FM radio and music player, Bluetooth, 3G connectivity and a microSD slot for up to 8GB of external memory. The Nokia 6216 classic is expected to start shipping in the third quarter of 2009 in select markets with an estimated retail price of EUR 150 before taxes and subsidies.
Nokia 6216 Classic
Source: SlashPhone
T-Mobile has recently announced a new type of SIM card that can be embedded into devices for easy and convenient machine-to-machine communications. The new SIM, which is made from silicon and not plastic, as is usually the case, is really very small (the size of the head of a pin), rugged and can endure the elements.
The new SIM from T-Mobile provides all the same functionality as a standard SIM, but the smaller footprint and more durable design will allow companies to build it directly into their equipment without the need for provisioning and manually inserting SIM cards. The technology is not meant for consumers, but represents a new front for embedded, intelligent wireless devices.
Source: PhoneScoop
Verizon Wireless has now introduced a new music slider phone, the Samsung Trance featuring touchpad navigation and enhanced audio quality backed by Bang & Olufsen’s ICEpower amp. Having a slim, slider form factor, this cell phone is designed for the customer with an ear for music and an eye for style. The Samsung Trance specifications include microSD card slot, 1 GB internal memory, 1.3 megapixel camera with NightShot, Bluetooth, basic imaging and bilingual interface: English/Espanol.
The Samsung Trance will be available on April 24, 2009, in two colors – Piano Black and Electric Red. Verizon Wireless has priced the Samsung Trance at $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.
Samsung Trance
Source: SlashPhone
